McLeish’s odds have been slashed as just two days ago he was priced at 7/1 and fourth in the running, as it seems that the longer the Gers’ hunt for a new manager goes on for, the less likely it is that McInnes is Ibrox-bound.

Frank de Boer (6/1) and current caretaker manager Graeme Murty (8/1) are also in contention according to the bookies.

Rangers have not made much progress in replacing Caixinha since the Portuguese was sacked in October, but McLeish may present someone who they could bring in much more easily that McInnes.

The former Scotland international boss is currently out of work after his most recent job with Egyptian side Zamalek last year and his return to Ibrox will no doubt be welcomed by some fans, who will remember him for winning the domestic treble in 2002/03.

Since leaving the Gers in 2006, McLeish has also had jobs at Birmingham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.